Beverly Hills 90210/Mary Anne Moore

QuestionHey Mel. I was wondering why, at her party, Mary Anne Moore threw her shoe into the pool for people to find. It just seems so random. I mean, if it was a goodies bag or cool water toy to see who gets it first, that may make sense. But her shoe? And everyone got all excited over it and actually went to hunt for it. Is this some 90s cultural/TV plot thing I'm missing, or were the writers just being weird?

AnswerHi Kayla,

When Marianne Moore throws her shoe in the pool for the party-goers to fetch, I took it to mean that she was A) showing how fun-loving and how much of an unpredictable Party Girl she could be (as that's exactly what her reputation dictates, despite being relatively unhappy and feeling removed from the scene, as she discloses to Brandon privately) - i.e., keeping up appearances, as host, and B) Tossing her shoe into the pool and watching people scramble to go after it reinforces a certain power dynamic between her and her peers. They're basically like her 'followers' and their response makes her feel momentarily idolized and like she's an active part of the life that's been created for her as the result of (too much) popularity.

There's no 90's TV/cultural thing that you're missing. It's just 'look at how much influence this one girl's actions can wield over a crowd'.

Expertise

Can Dylan solve quadratic equations? What makes up a "mega-burger"? If an
answer exists, I probably know it. Whether your question is general, begging the context
of all 10 seasons, or completely inane, feel free to drop me a line either way. I will provide
episode reference numbers for each response and plan to have some fun with
this. Trivia quizzes often need correction, and publications will get their plotlines/characters/relationships mixed up too. I accept dialogue/scene requests, but please limit your inquiry to 1-2 per question. I only know music from the original broadcasts/reruns, not the DVDs. Been a fan since 1990 and didn't miss a beat.

Experience

Well, I began watching "Beverly Hills, 90210" at the tender age of 9 and a half, during its original run. By 11, I was a huge fan; 13, obsessed; 14, growing bitter. I don't like S6 - S10 as much as Seasons 1 - 5. But, technically, I still watch all of them in some way. Do this for 20 years and you'll remember the darndest things.Well, I began watching "Beverly Hills, 90210" at the tender age of 9 and a half, during its original run. By 11, I was a huge fan; 13, obsessed; 14, growing bitter. I don't like S6 - S10 as much as Seasons 1 - 5. But, technically, I still watch all of them in some way. Do this for 20 years and you'll remember the darndest things.

Education/CredentialsI'd like to say I've earned a "degree" on the life and times of the original eight, with specific concentration on Seasons 1 thru 5, any Jack McKay drama, Dylan/Kelly together or apart, and the guest stars of 1992-1994. Season 4, I think, was the best and strikingly different from any other. My only weakness might be later-season 'stand-in' characters like Matt and Noah, and the ever-changing ownerships of The AfterDark.

Education/CredentialsI'd like to say I've earned a "degree" on the life and times of the original eight, with specific concentration on Seasons 1 thru 5, any Jack McKay drama, Dylan/Kelly together or apart, and the guest stars of 1992-1994. Season 4, I think, was the best and strikingly different from any other. My only weakness might be later-season 'stand-in' characters like Matt and Noah, and the ever-changing ownerships of The AfterDark.